Dell U3415W 34-Inch Ultra-Wide Curved Monitor Review

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Viewing Angles, Uniformity, Response And Lag

To learn how we measure screen uniformity, please click here.

It’s well known that IPS screens offer the best viewing angles of any LCD technology. But it seems that curved models look even better from 45 degrees to the side. There is practically no brightness reduction, no color shift and no change in detail level. Every step is clearly visible. From the top down you can see a little green tint and lower output, but all the steps are still there. It won’t get much better that this until OLED makes its way to the desktop.

Screen Uniformity: Luminance

In the contrast tests, we recommended avoiding the uniformity compensation feature because it raises the black level and reduces contrast. As you can see, it doesn’t help improve black field uniformity at all. Our press sample looks fantastic with zero visible light bleed.

In a white field uniformity contest, it’s better to turn compensation on. In fact, we’ve never recorded a result this low. However, given the 9.74 percent number without compensation, we’d rather have the additional contrast.

Screen Uniformity: Color

Uniformity compensation does nothing to help color uniformity, but the errors are both invisible, so this comparison is a wash.

Pixel Response And Input Lag

Please click here to read up on our pixel response and input lag testing procedures.

We realize the U3415W is above the price range of many gamers, but if you do choose it, you’ll get a fairly responsive IPS panel. We did see a slight difference in motion blur with the Response option on Fast, so we recommend that setting for best performance.

Among 60Hz IPS screens, the U3415W has one of the lowest input lag scores in our database. It proved snappy and responsive in the games we played, and its wide wrap-around screen really makes it a lot of fun to play on.

Christian Eberle
Contributing Editor

Christian Eberle is a Contributing Editor for Tom's Hardware US. He's a veteran reviewer of A/V equipment, specializing in monitors. Christian began his obsession with tech when he built his first PC in 1991, a 286 running DOS 3.0 at a blazing 12MHz. In 2006, he undertook training from the Imaging Science Foundation in video calibration and testing and thus started a passion for precise imaging that persists to this day. He is also a professional musician with a degree from the New England Conservatory as a classical bassoonist which he used to good effect as a performer with the West Point Army Band from 1987 to 2013. He enjoys watching movies and listening to high-end audio in his custom-built home theater and can be seen riding trails near his home on a race-ready ICE VTX recumbent trike. Christian enjoys the endless summer in Florida where he lives with his wife and Chihuahua and plays with orchestras around the state.

  • tom10167
    "3440x2160" Anyone else getting tired of seeing this site report glaring errors in almost everything they publish?
    Reply
  • It's 3440x1440 pixels @ 60 Hz refresh rate. It's also $899.99 on Amazon not $1199.00.
    Reply
  • SirGCal
    Unless I missed it, no mention of sync of either flavor. I'm not buying a new display without one or the other. I've noticed it so much nicer in every enabled task, not just gaming.
    Reply
  • oj88
    Judging by its size and price, Dell could have made U3415W a 4K (4096x2160) monitor.
    Reply
  • HideOut
    Thats not 4K. and no, it has no sync. This is more of a pro grade monitor, not a high FPS gamer
    Reply
  • GoZFast
    2x9w speakers o.o That a lot for integrated speakers My samsung tv 27'' has 2x2w.
    Reply
  • GoZFast
    Dell already have 5K monitors but this one is aimed at artistic professionals.
    Reply
  • CORRECTION:
    Newegg has it for $799.99 with coupon code:
    EMCAVKK33
    Reply
  • GoZFast
    Well, too bad, its 1220$ here in Canada. I guess I will add it to my list when shopping in NY next time lol Dell brand 34'' ~4K monitor 10bit pro panel with ok speakers is pretty decent for 799$. Its a good tv with those inputs for a small room.
    Reply
  • Tanquen
    IPS = :)

    Curved = :(

    21:9 = :(

    34” = :( It’s too darn short for a widescreen display. My 30” 2560x1600 already has a taller res.

    “By curving the screen just a little, the extra width fits better into the user’s peripheral vision, and reduces the amount of head-turning necessary to see the entire desktop.” Wow, just wow! This is just so wrong.

    “the image is not distorted in any way.”
    It may not be enough to notice but it totally distorts the screen and nothing you view on it will be shot in such a way. The larger TVs totally have a bowtie effect going on and it’s a total gimmick.
    Reply